A reader who lives on Holmes Avenue in the city of Batavia has spotted this white cat hanging out at the corner of East and Holmes avenues for the past week, apparently without a home. The cat has a collar on, and the reader is hoping to reunite it with its pet parents.
Genesee County residents who are curious about the new Genesee County Jail and would like to see it inside for themselves before it starts holding inmates will get their chance on Saturday.
Sheriff William Sheron has announced an open house that day from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The new jail is located at 3839 West Main Street Road, Batavia -- basically to the east of and between the Animal Shelter County Building #2.
Pavilion Central School District (PCSD) is thrilled to announce the inaugural Gopher 5K Fun Run/Walk on June 1, utilizing the newly developed Pavilion Walking Trail. This community event marks the first public introduction to the scenic campus trail, offering a unique opportunity for community members to engage in physical activity while enjoying the natural beauty of the school’s surroundings.
"We are so excited to finally be able to share our beautiful campus with the community," said Ashley Tallman, Pavilion Central School District Wellness Committee Coordinator and Health/Physical Education Department Chair.
"We have been planning for how we could use our grounds for physical activity since former and retired teacher Marianne Witowski was here. Our inaugural Gopher 5K on June 1 gives us an opportunity to share the trail with a wider audience in a more formal way and brings awareness to this great resource in our community. We are really excited about how the trail will support the health and well-being of our school community. We are truly hoping the 5K becomes a staple in our community and that the 1st ever Gopher 5K brings the community together and highlights the trail as a great resource to support the health and well-being of our school community."
The Pavilion Walking Trail, a collaborative effort between Pavilion Central School District staff and various community stakeholders, including the Genesee Valley BOCES, has been in the works for over a year. Funded in part by the State of New York through the Creating Healthy Schools and Communities Initiative, the trail is designed to increase physical activity opportunities for students, families, and the broader community.
The Gopher 5K Fun Run/Walk invites competitive racers and casual participants alike, with the option for timing via chipped bibs for those who register by May 27. Walk-in registrations are welcome on the day of the event, though chipped bibs may not be available. Family registrations are also encouraged; however, these entries will not be timed.
To register for the Gopher 5K Fun Run/Walk, please visit the Google Registration Link. We appreciate cash donations on the day of the race to support the ongoing maintenance of the trail and the event's timing system.
For more information, please contact Ashley Tallman at atallman@pavilioncsd.org.
Join us in making this inaugural event a staple in our community and help us celebrate a healthier, more connected Pavilion!
Four juveniles from Buffalo are charged with criminal possession of stolen property in the third degree after they made an attempt to flee from a deputy in a Kia Forte at 12:37 a.m. on May 7.
The youths, who are not identified in the police report, were released to the custody of their parents or guardians.
Information on the incident was released on Monday. It began early Tuesday morning at the Batavia Thruway entrance when Deputy Jeremiah Gechell attempted a traffic stop.
The Kia attempted to flee at a high rate of speed, according to the report. During the pursuit, deputies learned the Kia had been reported stolen in the town of Eden.
The black Kia continued east on the Thruway at a high rate of speed, attempted to exit in Le Roy, and then headed east on I-490.
Deputy Ryan Mullen deployed spike strips on the exit ramp, and three of the Kia's four tires hit the strip.
The driver and a passenger attempted to flee on foot east on the 490.
Following a foot pursuit, Gechell and Sgt. Mathew Clor apprehended a male and female from the vehicle. A female passenger ran into the woods near the Thruway and was ordered out and placed into custody. Le Roy Police Officer Selah Martek located another male passenger attempting to hide in a ditch near the Kia, and that subject was placed into custody.
The City of Batavia Fire Department will be flushing fire hydrants on Monday and Tuesday from approximately 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the general area of South of West Main Street and West of Jackson Street.
Homes and businesses nearby will be affected. These tests may result in a temporary discoloration of water in that area. As in the past, please do not attempt to wash any clothing if your water appears discolored. If you do experience a discoloration of your water, run cold water for about 5 minutes or until clear.
This annual testing is essential to maintain the community class III Insurance Services Office (ISO) public protection classification and to assure that fire hydrants are operating efficiently for fire protection purposes. Along with maintaining the fire rating, the test monitors the health of the city's water system, identifies weak areas in the system, and removes material that settles in the water lines. Checking each hydrant improves fire department personnel's knowledge of the hydrant locations.
If you have any questions or should notice a hydrant needing repair, please contact the fire department at 585-345-6375.
Last month, Genesee County experienced a total solar eclipse, a once-in-a-lifetime event for many.
On Friday, Sheriff William Sheron said it was a once-in-a-lifetime event: the dedication of a new county jail.
The jail is expected to be the county's lone place of inmate incarceration for at least 10 decades.
"We'll never see one of these built again, nor do we want to," Sheron said.
The new jail's construction was a long journey, Sheron said, but a necessary one. The new facility will serve the community better, providing greater opportunities to help offenders improve their lives and keep corrections officers safer.
"Today marks a significant milestone in our county's journey towards justice and rehabilitation," Sheron said. "It's with great pride and humility that we gather here to dedicate the new Genesee County Jail. This facility is not just a testament to our commitment to public safety but also a symbol of our unwavering dedication to accountability, rehabilitation and hope."
Sheron noted that incarceration is not the ultimate goal of local law enforcement.
"Rather, it's a means to an end, an opportunity for individuals to reflect on their actions, take accountability for their actions and their mistakes and embark on a path towards positive change," Sheron said.
To that end, the new jail will offer better access to mental health assistance, educational opportunities, and access to counseling. Inmates will have access to resources and programs aimed at addressing the root causes of their behavior with the hope of guiding them toward a more productive future.
"Accountability is the heart of the justice system," Sheron said. "It's about holding individuals responsible for their actions and also providing them with the support and the tools they need to reintegrate into our society as productive and law-abiding citizens."
Allen Riley, chairman of the state's Commission of Corrections, which mandated that the county build a new jail to replace its deteriorating, aging facility Main Street in Batavia, which was becoming costly to maintain, he said, praised the new facility.
"It will provide greater space for enhanced educational opportunities for the incarcerated population, which will provide opportunities for advancement and a chance to become a productive member of society upon their release and reduce recidivism rates here in Genesee County," he said.
The 184-bed facility was built at a cost of $70 million. The jail is divided into four units. To start, only three units will house inmates: two males and one female. It's the first time Genesee County will house its own female inmates.
Assistant Jail Superintendent Jeff Searls told visitors during a guided tour that he anticipates opportunities to house inmates from other counties, especially for a couple of neighboring counties that are just starting the process of building new jails in their communities and providing custodial care for people being held for the U.S. Marshall's and Homeland Security. Holding inmates for other jurisdictions will generate revenue for the county, which will help offset the jail's cost.
County Manager Matt Landers noted that the jail was built during challenging times. Project planning began in 2017 and by the time the county was ready to begin construction, the world was hit by a pandemic, then rising interest rates, followed by inflation, along with bail reform.
"At one point, I was wondering if we're building this jail too small," Landers said. "If you go back to 2019, we had 140 individuals in the care of Genesee County Sheriff's Office that would essentially be full today. Then, within one year, the numbers dropped from the pandemic and from the bail reform. And we weren't quite sure. So, we commissioned a second jail-needs study. And the results of that study were basically to keep the same number we had before. And now here we are today with, I would say, an appropriate size jail facility for the next 100 years."
Photo by Howard Owens.
Photo by Howard Owens.
Allen Riley, chairman of the state's Commission of Corrections Photo by Howard Owens.
Photo by Howard Owens.
Legislative Chair Shelley Stein presents follow legislators, Gary Maha, left, and Christian Yunker, with plaques for their service to the county as the Legislators' representatives during jail construction. Photo by Howard Owens.
Photo by Howard Owens.
Photo by Howard Owens.
Photo by Howard Owens.
County Manager Matt Landers Photo by Howard Owens.
Assistant Jail Superintendent Jeff Searls conducted one of the tours of the new jail. Here he is standing in the new Centralized Arraignment Part Court. When the jail was designed, CAP Court did not exist. The state government-mandated it to provide defendants with a speedier arraignment process. Designers had to find space to accommodate the courtroom. Photo by Howard Owens.
This is the intake/processing center. When inmates or detainees first arrive at the jail, they will be processed in this section of the facility. They will be held here until being moved into the jail or released. The area includes a washer and dryer to, if necessary, clean the closes of people being held, as well as showers. There are storage bins for personal belongings in a secure room. Some cells are designed for one or two inmates, others for multiple inmates. The intake area can accommodate more than double the number of people being held than the old jail, Searls said. Photo by Howard Owens.
Photo by Howard Owens
The admin area of the new medical unit. The unit provides first-aid as well as access to counseling. Photo by Howard Owens.
Office space for mental health care. Photo by Howard Owens.
A classroom. Photo by Howard Owens
Janitorial space. Photo by Howard Owens
Classroom Space Photo by Howard Owens
A cell unit. Photo by Howard Owens.
Microwave and sink for use by inmates. Photo by Howard Owens.
Photo by Howard Owens.
Each inmate is issued a computer tablet that enables them to make phone calls (which are monitored by an outside security company) but there are also phones in the units (monitored by the same company). Photo by Howard Owens.
A jail cell. Photo by Howard Owens.
Photo by Howard Owens
Photo by Howard Owens
The visitors' area. The state doesn't allow barriers between inmates and guests. Searls said this is the most likely place where inmates will try to acquire contraband. There are multiple surveillance cameras and vigilant corrections officers constantly observing activities in the room. Photo by Howard Owens.
Photo by Howard Owens.
Assistant Jail Superintendent Jeff Searls. Photo by Howard Owens
A pedestrian waits at a crosswalk at Ellicott Street and Jackson Street on Friday. Photo by Howard Owens.
Press Release:
As temperatures rise and more and more people are outside taking advantage of good weather there will be increased pedestrian and bicycle traffic as well. With that comes the potential for motor vehicle collisions with pedestrians.
Below are key points from New York State’s Vehicle and Traffic law on pedestrian safety. For more information visit www.safeny.ny.gov. (courtesy of the NYS Governor's Traffic Safety Committee)
When there are traffic-control signals:
A pedestrian has the right of way whenever a traffic signal shows a steady “Walk” or a walking person.
A pedestrian must not cross if the phrase “Don’t Walk” or the upraised hand is flashing, even when crossing signals display a countdown showing remaining time left to cross.
A pedestrian must not cross if the phrase “Don’t Walk” or the upraised hand is steady.
If a person has already started crossing on a “Walk” and the signal changes, then he or she can continue to a sidewalk or safety island.
When there are crosswalks*:
Pedestrians have the right of way if there is an intersection or any marked crosswalk on the road and no traffic signals.
Drivers must yield, slowing or stopping, to allow pedestrians to cross.
When there are no crosswalks*:
Drivers have the right of way if there are no intersections or no marked crosswalks on the road.
Pedestrians must yield the right of way to vehicles.
*Definition of crosswalk from NYS V&T Section 110: (a) That part of a roadway at an intersection included within the connections of lateral lines of the sidewalks on opposite sides of the highway between the curbs, or the absence of curbs, between the edges of the traverse roadway.
The City contains several mid-block crossings, similar to those found along the Ellicott Trail. These crossings are clearly marked and traffic must yield to pedestrians in these crosswalks.
You can’t see it. You can’t smell it. But breathing in high levels of radon can increase your risk of lung cancer even if you don’t smoke. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer and it is estimated to cause over 21,000 deaths each year in the United States. This is the reason it is so important to get your home tested for radon.
Radon is a colorless, odorless gas that seeps into your home through cracks in the foundation, walls, and joints. It can be found in well water and dirt floors. Whether your home has a basement, sits on a slab, is brand-new or old, radon can build up and go undetected.
“Testing your home for radon is one of the easiest preventative health measures a homeowner can take,” stated Darren Brodie, Environmental Health Director for Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health). “If your radon levels are low, we suggest you test every couple of years. If your radon levels are high, we can give you information about how to mitigate the radon. Either way, you have made an important step to keep your family safe.”
Testing your home with a short-term radon test kit is a quick and easy way to determine if there are high levels of radon in your home. Short-term test kits can be purchased at your local hardware store or through the New York State Department of Health website.
For more information on radon or Health Department programs and services, visit GOHealthNY.org or call your respective health department at:
An aurora borealis, or northern lights, was visible in Genesee County on Friday night.
The event, created by a solar storm, will return on Saturday evening; however, the forecast for partially cloudy skies could hinder visibility.
When there is a solar storm, some of the energy and small particles travel down the magnetic field at the north and south poles into the earth's atmosphere. The particles interact with gases in the atmosphere, creating a stunning light show.
Thank you to all the readers who submitted photos.
The Batavia Muckdogs are excited to announce the signing of 10 players to the 2024 roster this summer.
Diego Alvarado (INF, Hendrix College, Jr.), Justin Austin (INF/OF, Cerro Coso Community College, So.), 2023 Returner - Trey Bacon (RHP/UTIL, University of Auburn-Montgomery, Sr.), 2023 Returner - Garrett Beaver (RHP, Salisbury University, So.), Bryceton Berry (RHP/OF, Flagler College, Fr.), 2023 Returner - Tucker Beving (RHP, University of Wisconsin-Stout, So.), James Bolton (Catcher, SUNY-Courtland, So.), Devin Brooks (RHP, Alabama State University, So.), Garrett Brunstetter (LHP, University of Missouri-St. Louis, So.), Jake Butler (INF, George Mason University, Fr.).
The Muckdogs will also take part in several events this season including walking in the Memorial Day Parade, Eli Fish Season Ticket Holder Party, The Tiney Piney Meet & Greet, and Bowling with the Muckdogs at Mancuso Lanes.
Diego Alvarado is a 6’ utility player from Hendrix College. A native of Visalia, California, Alvarado is starting his first season with the Muckdogs. Alvarado played at Gateway Community College where he played in 38 games, hitting for a .279 average, and having 14 runs batted in. In his first season at Hendrix, Alvarado started 12 games for the Warriors while posting a .211 batting average, while driving in 8 runs, on 8 hits.
Justin Austin is a 5’7” infielder from Cerro Coso Community College. A native of Winter Park, Florida, Austin is starting his first season with the Muckdogs. In 27 games played for the Coyotes, Austin had a .318 batting average, with 27 hits, 28 runs batted in, and 1 home run.
Trey Bacon is a 5’11” right-handed pitcher from the University of Auburn at Montgomery. A native of Tampa, Florida, Bacon is a familiar face amongst Muckdogs fans as he is returning for his 4 th season. Bacon in 13.2 innings had 13 strikeouts for the Warhawks, and hitters having a .209 batting average against him. Coach Bush at Auburn-Montgomery had high praise for the senior pitcher.
Garrett Beaver is a 6’1 right-handed pitcher from Salisbury University. A native of Waynesboro, Pennsylvania, Beaver is returning for another season in Batavia. Beaver, last season at Salisbury, pitched 36.1 innings, with a 3-2 record and 3 saves, struck out 34 batters with a 2.94 earned run average. His career numbers with the Seagulls are 47 innings pitched, with a 3-2 overall record, 3 saves, 46 strikeouts, and a 2.87 earned run average, with hitters having a .190 batting average against him.
Bryceton Berry is a 6’1 right-handed pitcher and outfielder from Flagler College. A native of Batavia, Berry is starting his first season with his hometown team. Berry’s first season at Flagler had him make appearances in the outfield and on the mound for the Saints. On the mound, Berry pitched 13.1 innings, while striking out 11, posting a 4.73 earned run average, and hitters had a .239 batting average against him. At the plate, Berry had 1 hit in 3 at bats, giving him a .333 batting average. Berry was also the MVP of the Batavia Rotary Club Tournament this summer at Dwyer.
Tucker Beving is a 6’ right-handed pitcher from the University of Wisconsin-Stout. A native of Norwalk, Iowa, Beving is entering his second season with the Muckdogs. Beving had 39.2 innings pitched, with 35 strikeouts for the Blue Devils. In his career, he has 82.1 innings pitched, with 73 strikeouts, tallying a 7.43 earned run average. Hitters have a .309 batting average against him. This season, Beving’s goal this season is to drop his ERA and opposing batting average to lead the pitching staff.
James Bolton is a 6’2” catcher from SUNY-Courtland. A native of nearby Webster, New York, Bolton is entering his first season with the Muckdogs. Bolton is looking to bring leadership and playoff experience to Batavia following his college season where SUNY-Courtland made a deep playoff run.
Devin Brooks is a 6’3” right-handed pitcher from Alabama State University. A native of Alabaster, Alabama, Brooks is starting his first season with the Muckdogs. In his most recent season at Alabama State, Brooks pitched 27.2 innings while striking out 22 batters, giving him a 1-2 record. In his career with the Hornets, Brooks has 31.1 innings, with 24 strikeouts, and a 1-2 record, with opposing hitters having a .239 batting average against him.
Garrett Brunstetter is a 6’2” left-handed pitcher from the University of Missouri-St. Louis. A native of Louisville, Kentucky, Brunstetter is starting his first season with the Muckdogs. In 52 innings pitched for the Tritons, Brunstetter struck out 65 batters, posting a 5.71 earned run average, and hitters had a .254 batting average against him.
Jake Butler is a 5’11” infielder from George Mason University. A native of Baltimore, Maryland, Butler is starting his first season with the Muckdogs. In 23 starts for George Mason University, Butler has a .256 batting average with 21 hits, in 82 at bats, 9 runs batted in, and 2 home runs. Butler is looking to make an impact for Batavia in his first season.
Fans can see the Muckdogs before the action starts on Monday, May 27 in the annual Memorial Day Parade.
On Tuesday, May 28 the Muckdogs will host their annual Season Ticket Holder Eat & Meet at Eli Fish Brewing at 6 p.m.
Then on Wednesday, May 29 join the Muckdogs at The Tiney Piney (5609 Main St. Batavia).
Fans can bowl with the Muckdogs on Tuesday, June 4 at Mansuco Bowling Center/T.F. Brown’s at 6 p.m. as well. They can contact Manscuso Bowling Center directly at 585-343-1319 to reserve their spot to Bowl with players.
Opening Day is Saturday, June 1 at 6:30 p.m. vs the Elmira Pioneers with Post Game Fireworks presented by Graham Corporation & Batavia Downs. Call 585-524-2260 for single-game tickets & season ticket plans start at just $99.
Corinne Phelps and Martin Lattin next to the AED at Arc GLOW’s Genesee Administration Building on Walnut Street in Batavia. Submitted photo.
Press Release:
Arc GLOW purchased a total of 19 automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in Genesee and Wyoming counties due to generosity by two different organizations.
Fifteen AEDs in Genesee County were purchased with assistance from the Genesee County New York State Opioid Settlement Fund.
Of these 15 AEDs, four are at Arc GLOW’s public facing offices — the Genesee Administration Building, Business Services and Transportation building, Community Center in Batavia and Elba Day Habilitation.
These AEDs are in a cabinet at a set location, and have been added to the Public Access Defibrillation (PAD) program — if someone calls 911 in need of an AED, an operator will be able to direct them to one of those four buildings for assistance. The case will make a sound when it is opened, and there will be a child/pediatric cartridge at each location and an additional adult cartridge.
The four AEDs in Wyoming County were purchased due to grant funds from the William F. Thiel Trust at the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo. These four plus the 11 from Genesee County went to Arc GLOW’s 11 individualized residential alternatives (IRAs) where individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) live.
“Everyone wants to go about their day thinking what they’re doing is making some kind of difference. Not every project has the luxury of visual evidence like this one did,” said Jeff Kantrowski, quality assurance coordinator at Arc GLOW. “At one point there was a literal wall of life-saving AEDs sitting behind me. It’s awesome to be able to have a hand in putting those units into the world all over Genesee and Wyoming counties; especially knowing that several of the units could have an impact in the community beyond Arc GLOW.”
According to the American Red Cross, sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is among the leading causes of death in the United States. In fact, more than 350,000 people will suffer a SCA this year.
Currently, the only way to restore a regular heart rhythm during a SCA is to use an AED. Without immediate cardiac medical intervention, the person will die of cardiac death within minutes.
When SCA occurs, rapid treatment with an AED can be lifesaving. But defibrillation is time sensitive. The probability of survival decreases by 7 percent to 10 percent for every minute that a victim doesn't receive treatment.
Individuals with IDD are a vulnerable population that is susceptible to having medical emergencies. For more than a century, the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo has enhanced and encouraged long-term philanthropy in the Western New York community.
A 501 (c)(3) organization, the Community Foundation’s mission is connection people, ideas and resources to improve lives in Western New York. Established in 1919, the Community Foundation has made the most of the generosity of individuals, families, foundations and organizations who entrust charitable assets to the Community Foundation’s care. Learn more at cfgb.org.
Arc GLOW is a private, non-profit organization founded by parents and friends of people with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
It is dedicated to helping people with IDD meet their full potential and find fulfillment in learning, personal relationships, employment, volunteerism, recreation, the arts, and more. Arc GLOW serves up to 2,000 individuals with IDD of all ages throughout the GLOW counties. For more information, visit ArcGLOW.org.
Submitted photo of Vincent J. Giammarva of Le Roy.
A 62-year-old resident of Le Roy, Vincent J. "Vinny" Giammarva, was killed on Thursday while working on the Thruway in Chili after being struck by a tractor-trailer.
According to the Thruway Authority, Giammarva was inside a work zone when he was struck. His co-worker, Mark Vara, 58, of Scottsville, was seriously injured when the eastbound tractor-trailer entered the work zone just before 12:30 p.m.
The accident occurred near mile marker 368, between Exit 47 in Le Roy and Exit 46 in Henrietta.
Giammarva was pronounced dead at the scene. Vara is listed in critical condition at Strong Memorial Hospital.
"Our Maintenance employees embody the heart and soul of this organization. Roadside workers risk their lives daily to ensure the safety of all drivers on the road," The Thruway Authority released in an unattributed statement. "The entire Thruway family is in mourning, and our thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathies go out to the families and friends of everyone involved."
Giammarva was a heavy construction equipment operator for the Thruway Authority.
In a statement, the Thruway Authority also said, "Vinny was a dedicated public servant who worked in the Thruway's Henrietta Maintenance Section for nearly 20 years. Vinny’s unwavering dedication embodied the very essence of this organization, which is now left with an unimaginable void and a long grieving process ahead."
The 64-year-old truck driver from Oswego has not otherwise been identified. State Police investigators said they don't believe drugs or alcohol played a role in the crash. There have been no charges filed but the investigation is ongoing.
Controversial U.S. Army veteran Michael Flynn, who last visited Batavia with the Reawaken Tour in 2022, will be showing a film he produced aptly titled "Flynn" during another evening visit to Cornerstone Church.
The film is described as "A gripping and revealing true film exploring the life of General Michael Flynn, from his rise in the US Military to the severe political persecution he faced exposing corruption as the National Security Advisor to President Trump."
Flynn, who served more than three decades in the military and at one point was head of the U.S. Intelligence Agency, pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI and was later pardoned by former president Donald Trump.
In addition to himself, the film also features family members, talk show host Tucker Carlson, businessman Devin Nunes and journalist Lee Smith.
Flynn appeared with a host of other guest speakers during the 2022 Reawaken Tour, which rolled into Batavia after being barred from a Rochester site due to concerns of potential violence over the tour's talking points and subject matter.
The event will begin at 5 p.m., and the film will be shown at 6:30 p.m. at Cornerstone Church, 8020 Bank Street Road, Batavia.
Tickets are $35 and $200 for a VIP package. To purchase, go HERE.
Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24), alongside Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Congressman John Larson (CT-01), and Senator John Cornyn (R-TX), introduced the bipartisan, bicameral Essential Caregivers Act today.
This bill would protect the residents in long-term care facilities, giving all residents nationwide the right to have in person access to an essential caregiver when visitations are restricted due to a declared emergency. The bipartisan bill seeks to prevent a repeat of the isolation and lack of care that long-term care residents were unjustly subjected to during the COVID-19 pandemic. It also requires CMS to set clear and fair guidelines for essential caregivers to protect the safety of facility staff and residents.
Additional cosponsors of this legislation include Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Adrian Smith(NE-03), John Rutherford (FL-05), Derrick Van Orden (WI-03), Susan Wild, (PA-07), Mike Carey (OH-15), Mike Lawler (NY-17), Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05), Susie Lee (NV-03), Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06), Don Bacon (NE-02), and Donald Davis (NC-01).
“Under federal law, nursing homes and long-term care facilities have the obligation to allow their residents access to caregivers,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “Sadly, during the COVID-19 pandemic, this right was denied to many residents and families, causing many seniors and patients to suffer and die alone. This injustice should never occur again, which is why Congressman John Larson, Senator Richard Blumenthal, and Senator John Cornyn and I introduced the Essential Caregivers Act. We must fix this loophole to protect the rights of senior citizens, those with disabilities, and their families during the next public health crisis.”
“The COVID-19 pandemic brought to light the vital role family members play in the care and wellbeing of their loved ones in long-term care facilities,” said Senator Blumenthal. “The Essential Caregivers Act ensures that in the event of a future emergency, residents in these facilities will still be able to receive the support, care, and companionship that their family members provide. This commonsense legislation allows at least one designated essential caregiver to have safe, in-person access to their loved ones at all times—ultimately protecting the overall physical, emotional, and mental health of long-term care residents.”
“The COVID-19 pandemic taught us that isolation hurts all of us, yet countless families were prevented from being with their loved ones during their time of need,” said Congressman Larson. “I am glad to join Rep. Tenney and Senators Blumenthal and Cornyn in this bipartisan and bicameral effort to expand visiting access for essential caregivers during future public health emergencies to ensure residents can get the support they need from their loved ones and never again face the isolation that was a reality for far too many patients.”
“The COVID-19 pandemic showed just how invaluable caregivers are to the physical and emotional wellbeing of long-term care facility residents and their families,” said Senator Cornyn. “This bill would ensure residents have consistent access to their loved ones or other designated caregivers, even during public health emergencies when regular visitation may be limited.”
